Soccer Senior Spotlight: Angie Lai

MTSU Blue Raider soccer faced Alabama's Crimson Tide on Sunday night in the Blue Raider's first home game of the season.
Photos by Greg French
MTSU Sidelines
Staff Photographer

Photo by Gregory French / Sidelines Archive

Middle Tennessee Soccer is nearing its end this season, and for some, it’s the end of a career.

Angie Lai is one of four seniors leaving the Blue Raiders. Lai, originally from San Diego, viewed her arrival to MTSU as a fresh, exciting new start in her adult and college life.

“It’s hard being away from family, but having a soccer team like this is nice,” Lai said. “We hang out together every day, every hour, so I’m never home sick because the girls are really great.”

Lai had an immediate impact in her Blue Raider career. She logged nearly 700 minutes of play and tallied two goals in her freshman campaign. Since then, she has started every game she dressed for with the exception of two matchups in her sophomore season. Her sophomore season, however, was her best statistically. In the 2014 season, Lai scored four goals along with three assists.

Lai has had many competitive and memorable games during her tenure at MT, but she didn’t hesitate to state her favorite moment of her career.

MTSU soccer faced the Alabama Crimson Tide on Aug. 31, 2014 in the Blue Raider’s first home game of the season. (Photo by Gregory French/Sidelines Archive)

“My best memory would be tying Alabama,” Lai said. “We were down 2-0, and we scored two goals really quick, and it was the best game I think I played.”

Lai has had her best game of the 2016 season in MTSU’s most recent battle against Marshall. She played all 90 minutes, finding the back of the net once while contributing an assist in the 2-0 Blue Raider victory.

Lai, a Business major, says she is laid back, easy-going and funny. She is always looking to have the best time and enjoy every minute.

“I want to be remembered as the player who had the most fun on the field regardless of getting in trouble,” Lai said. “I would always have a smile on my face and try to help the team.”

Lai’s final message for her Blue Raider teammates was simple: “Always remember to have fun.”

This is part two of the four-part Soccer Senior Spotlight Series. Stay tuned to Sidelines for part two which will release tomorrow.